Algiers Holiday
Bonfire and Concert
The Westbank's hottest holiday tradition!
Each year, along the banks of the Mississippi River, a time-honored tradition is observed in Algiers– with a dash of New Orleans flavor! The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is the largest public event in Algiers and the Westbank’s hottest holiday event. As the only holiday bonfire in New Orleans, this event is both an opportunity to take part in a unique Louisiana cultural tradition and a fun, family-friendly annual community gathering.
Join us in paying tribute to Louisiana’s river parish bonfire tradition, while listening to musical performances, eating food from local vendors, and shopping from local artisans at the holiday market. However, the highlight of the event is the 30-foot sculptural bonfire, designed by NOLA Burners, which is set ablaze after darkness falls on the banks of the river. Easily accessible via the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event cannot be missed!
Free and open to the public, AEDF hosts this event each year to attract visitors to the Westbank, give local vendors an opportunity to sell their goods to thousands of potential customers, and provide our community with a family friendly holiday event!
Let us know you’re coming by RSVPing on the event page!
Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in getting your business in-front of thousands of potential customers as an event sponsor,
please call (504) 362-6436 or email us at info@algierseconomic.com.
Want to help run one of the largest holiday events in New Orleans?
Sign-up for a volunteer shift at the button below!
2024 Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert
Event Details
- December 7th, 2024
- 4:30-8:00pm
- 200 Morgan St. New Orleans, LA 70117
- Free & open to the public!
2024 Music Lineup
Sunpie and the Lousiana Sunspots
Shades of Praise Gospel Choir
Ballerinas of the Bayou
DJ Mizzle
New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy (NOMMA) Brass Band
Getting There
The event grounds are located at 200 Morgan Street on the batture, or the land between the river and the levee on the river-side of the levee.
We recommend arriving via ferry, bus, bike, or on foot if possible, as parking is limited. The event is easily accessible via ferry from the Canal St. Ferry Terminal, as the site is adjacent to the Algiers Ferry Terminal only a few feet downriver. Folks coming from Lower Algiers and Gretna can reach the grounds using the Algiers Levee Bike Path. Those looking to take the bus can plan their travel using the Le Pass App.
There are two small paid-parking lots in Algiers Point, one at 201 Morgan Street, the other at 157 Delaronde Street. AEDF does NOT operate these parking lots. There is also limited street parking in the Algiers Point neighborhood.
Holiday Bonfires on the Levee
As a tradition begun by the Cajun settlers of southern Louisiana, the bonfires are intended to light the way for “Papa Nöel” during his airborne journey on Christmas Eve. While the oldest written references to the Christmas bonfire tradition are from the 1880s, this practice is thought to be far older with roots in ancient traditions found throughout Western Europe. The lighting of the bonfires still takes place on Christmas Eve in the upriver communities of St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes.
However, New Orleanians wanting to take part in this tradition will have to drive 30-40 miles upriver on Christmas Eve. The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert brings a taste of this tradition downriver, and adds a touch of New Orleans flare! Rather than the traditional square structures used upriver, our bonfire’s sculptural design and the backdrop of the city skyline adds an extra element to the evening’s grand finale. In typical New Orleans fashion, this event also hosts live performances from world-class local performers!
Never attended before?
Check out some of the custom sculptural bonfires built by NOLA Burners in previous years
